Impact sockets and accessories for commercial vehicle workshops
Standard hand tool sockets are not rated for impact use. The steel alloy and wall thickness used in standard sockets is designed for hand torque, not the high-energy impacts produced by an air or cordless impact wrench. Using standard sockets on an impact gun risks cracking the socket, which can cause injury or damage to the fastener. Impact sockets are made from chrome molybdenum steel with thicker walls and a black phosphate finish rather than a polished chrome surface.
For commercial vehicle wheel work, the most common drive sizes are 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch. HGV wheel nuts typically require larger drive impact sockets than car and light van work. Impact extensions, adaptors, and universal joints used with impact wrenches also need to be impact-rated - fitting a standard extension between an impact gun and a socket transfers the impact force through a component not designed to absorb it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between impact sockets and standard sockets?
Impact sockets are made from chrome molybdenum (Cr-Mo) steel, which absorbs impact energy without cracking. Standard chrome vanadium (Cr-V) sockets are harder but more brittle - they can shatter when subjected to impact wrench forces. Impact sockets also have thicker walls and a black finish rather than polished chrome. Never use standard sockets on an impact gun.
What drive size do I need for HGV wheel nuts?
Most HGV wheel nut work uses 3/4 inch drive impact sockets, as the fastener sizes and torque requirements are significantly higher than car or light van work. Some applications use 1 inch drive for heavy-duty axle nuts. Confirm the specific fastener size and torque requirement for your vehicle and axle configuration before selecting a socket size.
Do I need impact-rated extensions and adaptors as well as impact sockets?
Yes. Any accessory used between the impact gun and the socket - extension bars, universal joints, adaptors - must be rated for impact use. Standard extensions and adaptors will crack or deform under impact wrench torque. Ensure all components in the drive train are impact-rated before use.
What metric socket sizes are most commonly needed for HGV workshop use?
For general HGV wheel and chassis work, 30mm, 32mm, 33mm, and 41mm are common sizes for wheel nuts and axle fixings. A comprehensive metric deep impact socket set covering 17mm to 41mm covers most commercial vehicle workshop requirements.
Sold out
